Combined face shield and mask assembly

ABSTRACT

A protective face shield assembly includes a frame member including a central section having a nose bridge, and a pair of temple-contacting arms attached to side portions of the central section. A transparent plastic shield member is attached to the frame member, and is configured to cover a user&#39;s face including mouth, nose and eyes. A spacer, disposed between the frame member and the shield member, is formed of a flexible foam material and has a convexly curved front surface. The face shield assembly also includes a neck guard attached to an outer edge portion of the shield member at peripheral side and lower portions thereof. The neck guard is formed of a flexible fabric material configured to permit passage of air therethrough and having an elastic band attached to a free edge portion thereof. The assembly is configured to fit over and accommodate eyeglasses worn by a user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon, and claims the benefit of priority under35 USC 119 from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/116,272,filed Nov. 20, 2020. The entire contents of the referenced priorityapplication are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to a face shield and mask assembly whichmay be worn to cover a person's face, including eyes, mouth and nose, soas to prevent or minimize the possibility of transmitting harmful and/orcontagious matter and the like to and from the user. The shield and maskassembly hereof minimizes user discomfort while permitting the user tobe readily identified.

More particularly, the present invention pertains to such a face shieldand mask which sealingly conforms to a user's face and head, which doesnot impair the user's field of vision, is mostly transparent so that theuser's face may be readily identified through the face shield and mask,is lightweight, washable and reusable, and may be manufactured, storedand transported at relatively low cost.

Description of the Background Art

Due to the recent pandemic, there is an enhanced need for personalprotective equipment (PPE) that is capable of effectively filtering outgerms such as microscopic pathogens. Such need is particularly felt bymedical professionals, who are around affected patients on a dailybasis, and who may have to work extended or double shifts.

There are many known face masks which people wear in public places tocover their mouths and noses, in order to prevent the users wearing themasks from breathing in any undesirable foreign matter, e.g., dust,dirt, pollen, contagious matter, microscopic particles or largerparticles of moisture from the exhaled breath of other people, etc., andto prevent the users' exhaled breath, including any undesirable mattertherein, from being directly discharged into the space around them.

In many cases, such face masks are not transparent, such that theportion of a user's face covered by a mask is concealed, and these knownface masks also do not protect the eyes of the person wearing the mask.

Further, many known face masks are not form-fitted to, and/or sealedagainst the face of a person wearing the mask, which limits theeffectiveness of such masks. For example, since the edges of such knownmasks may not securely fit in engagement with a wearer's face, suchmasks do not fully protect persons wearing the masks from inhalingairborne pathogens which may pass between the edges of the mask and thewearer's face, and such known masks do not protect other persons in thevicinity from any airborne pathogens in the wearer's exhaled breathwhich escapes between the edges of the mask and the wearer's face.

Unless a face mask is form fitted or extremely tightly engaged to thewearer's face at the edges of the mask, airborne pathogens in inhaled orexhaled breath may pass between the edges of the mask and the wearer'sface, rather than being carried by air passing through the mask, whereit would be filtered out of the breath.

Besides the known face masks discussed above, there are also many knownface shields, which are generally transparent and which people wear tocover their faces including eyes, in somewhat spaced relation thereto,so as to prevent contact with foreign matter at times when such peopleare in an environment where there is substantial risk of foreign mattercontacting their faces, e.g., doctors and other health care personnelwho are in close proximity to patients, some cashiers in retailenvironments, people operating machines which discharge particles, etc.

While conventional face shields allow the wearer's facial features to beseen by others, and protect the wearer from a portion of directlyprojected liquid and solid airborne materials such as spittle andmaterials which are projected by a direct cough or sneeze, conventionalface shields do not form an enclosed and sealed space around a user'sface. Hence, inhaled and exhaled breath, which may contain airbornepathogens, is not effectively filtered by conventional face shields, asthe inhaled and exhaled breath passes around the side and bottom edgesof these known face shields.

A person wearing a conventional face shield may inhale or otherwiseingest airborne pathogens in the inhaled breath through such person'smouth and nose, and such person's eyes may also be exposed topotentially contaminated air. Similarly, any persons in the vicinity ofthe persons wearing the conventional face shields are directly exposedto the unfiltered exhaled breath of the shield-wearing person.

While the known face masks and face shields, worn one or the other orworn together as two separate garments in conjunction with one another,are generally effective for their intended purposes, the current globalpandemic caused by the Covid-19 virus has caused a tremendous increasein usage of face masks and face shields, often required by emergencylaws, ordinances, and policies adopted to slow the spread of theCovid-19 virus and this has created some new problems relating to thesedevices.

For example, many states, as well as public offices and privatebusinesses, require people to wear face masks in order to enter publicand private premises, which makes it difficult to identify the peoplewearing the masks, and such that the people may be required to removethe masks in order to be identified and then replace the masks ontotheir faces. Similarly, if a deaf person desires to communicate withanother person who is wearing a mask, it may be necessary for the personwearing the mask to remove same in order for the deaf person to read themask wearing person's lips. Face masks may also inhibit the ability ofsecurity and law enforcement personnel to identify the people wearingthe masks. For example, face masks may interfere with facial recognitionsoftware, or may make it difficult to identify faces on security videorecordings.

Also, many people find the masks uncomfortable to wear, as the masksdirectly engage against the peoples' faces causing irritation, smearingmakeup, making it difficult to breathe, causing exhaled breath to bedischarged onto the wearer's eyeglasses and cause fogging of theeyeglass lenses, etc. In addition, current face masks impact the wearingof medications such as creams, lotions, & oils related to skin maladiessuch as pimples, blemishes, & acne. Current masks also diminish thewearer's skin from breathing and being properly ventilated.

Due to such discomfort and related issues, some people prefer not towear face masks or, if they do wear the masks in order to enter abuilding, they may partially remove the mask after they are in thebuilding, which mostly defeats the intended purpose of the masks. Also,due to the discomfort associated with conventional face masks, manypeople will use other items in place of face masks, e.g., bandannas andthe like, which may be more comfortable, but do not provide as good ofprotection as other conventional face masks.

Still further, given that many men have significant amounts of facialhair in terms of beards, moustaches, etc. the conventional face masksmay not provide sufficient protection as desired because they do nottightly engage against such peoples' faces so that air being breathed inor exhaled out may pass around the edges of the masks.

On the other hand, conventional face shields are typically designed formedical or industrial use and are relatively large, bulky anduncomfortable so that people typically do not want to wear them exceptin special circumstances where the protection the face shields provideis required, e.g., in hospitals, medical and dental offices where healthcare professionals must come in close proximity to patients, wherepeople are operating machines which discharge particles which couldinjure the people's faces, etc.

Hence, the conventional face masks and face shields offer incompleteprotection for the wearers of same and for others. Accordingly, peoplesometimes wear both a conventional face mask and a conventional faceshield together, in tandem, in order to protect the wearer's eyes (as isthe case primarily with the face shield), as well as to filter breathinhaled and exhaled via the wearer's mouth and nose (as is the case withthe face mask). However, the combination of a conventional face mask anda conventional face shield tends to be fairly large in terms of size andweight, and most people are unwilling to wear both of these just forpurposes of being out in public, going to a store or the like.

As will be understood, a need still exists for improvement in theconventional protective devices.

There remains a need in the art of personal protection, and theprotection of others, for a wearable face shield and mask assembly thatis lightweight and compact so that it is generally comfortable to wear,protects the wearer's eyes, mouth and nose while also allowing clear andunobstructed view of the wearer's face and features.

Ideally, a face shield and mask assembly would provide sufficient andproper protection for people wearing same and for others in the vicinityof such people, while at the same time avoiding or minimizing anyproblems and drawbacks associated with the conventional devices.Preferably, a face shield and mask assembly would be washable andreusable, and capable of being manufactured, stored and transported atrelatively low cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to satisfy the discussed need inthe art.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a combinedprotective mask and transparent face shield assembly.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a protective faceshield assembly includes a frame member including a central sectionhaving a nose bridge, and a pair of temple-contacting arms attached toside portions of the central section.

A transparent plastic shield member is attached to the frame member, andis configured to cover a user's face including mouth, nose and eyes. Aspacer, disposed between the frame member and the shield member, isformed of a flexible foam material and has a convexly curved frontsurface.

The combined face shield and mask assembly according to the first aspecthereof also includes a neck guard attached to an outer edge portion ofthe shield member at peripheral side and lower portions thereof, theneck guard formed of a flexible fabric material configured to permitpassage of air therethrough and having an elastic band attached to afree edge portion thereof.

The combined face shield and mask assembly is configured to fit over andaccommodate eyeglasses worn by a user, if the user wears eyeglasses.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in addition to the firstaspect, the shield member is formed in a shape resembling a half moonhaving a flattened edge portion which is disposed at a top portion ofthe combined face shield and mask assembly

According to a third aspect of the invention, in addition to the firstaspect, the flexible face shield is at least partially concave and isconfigured to enclose the user's face extending from the user's foreheadalong sides of the user's face slightly forward of the user's ears anddown to the user's throat rearward of the user's chin.

According to a forth aspect of the invention, in addition to the firstand third aspects, a seal is provided at the periphery of the shieldmember on top of the frame member, to seal the top of the assembly andto restrict or prevent air passage therepast.

According to another aspect of the invention, the shield member has apair of holes formed therein which receive rear portions of thetemple-contacting arms therethrough.

According to another aspect of the invention, the combined face shieldand mask assembly is provided with a vent, separate from the neck guard,and through which exhaled breath of the user may also be discharged fromthe face shield assembly, the vent including a check valve whichprevents air from passing inwardly through the vent during use.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention may befound from a review of the following detailed description section. For amore complete understanding of the present invention, the reader isreferred to the following detailed description section, which should beread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout thefollowing detailed description and in the drawings, like numbers referto like parts.

Intent of Disclosure

Although the following disclosure offered for public dissemination isdetailed to ensure adequacy and aid in understanding of the invention,this is not intended to prejudice that purpose of a patent which is tocover each new inventive concept therein no matter how it may later bedisguised by variations in form or additions of further improvements.The claims at the end hereof are the chief aid toward this purpose, asit is these that meet the requirement of pointing out the improvements,combinations and methods in which the inventive concepts are found.

There have been chosen specific embodiments of a face shield assemblyaccording to the invention and specific alternative embodiments andmodifications thereto, the embodiments chosen for the purposes ofillustration and description of the composition and method of theinvention are shown in the accompanying drawings forming a part of thespecification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a face shield and mask assembly accordingto a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of the combined face shield and mask assemblyof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the combined face shield and maskassembly of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective top view of a frame member and spacer which arecomponent parts of the combined face shield and mask assembly of FIGS.1-3.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of a shield member which is anothercomponent of the combined face shield and mask assembly of FIGS. 1-3,shown before assembly.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the combined face shield and mask assemblyof FIGS. 1-3, also showing an optional seal member and optional one-wayvalve.

FIG. 7 is a detail perspective view of the shield member and framemember assembled together.

FIG. 8 is a detail perspective view showing an attachment member whichis part of the frame member.

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of a first user wearing the combined faceshield and mask assembly of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side plan view of the first user wearing the combined faceshield and mask assembly of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a second user wearing the combined faceshield and mask assembly along with traditional glasses, which may beprescription glasses or sunglasses.

FIG. 12A is a front plan view of a face shield and mask assemblyaccording to a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a rear plan view of the combined face shield and maskassembly of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is a side plan view of the first user wearing the combined faceshield and mask assembly of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of a first user wearing the combined faceshield and mask assembly of the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the combined face shield and maskassembly of the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a front plan view of a bumper which is a component part ofthe the combined face shield and mask assembly of the second embodiment,the bumper shown before assembly.

FIG. 17 is a detail view showing a cinch strap and locking structurewhich is a component part of the combined face shield and mask assemblyof the second embodiment.

FIG. 18A is a front perspective view of a combined face shield and maskassembly according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 18B is a side plan view of the combined face shield and maskassembly according to the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Overview

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described insome detail, with reference to the drawings. It should be understoodthat only structures considered necessary for clarifying the presentinvention are described herein. Other conventional structures, and thoseof ancillary and auxiliary components of the system, are assumed to beknown and understood by those skilled in the art. Also, it will beunderstood that features described in relation to specific ones of theseveral exemplary embodiments are not limited for use in only thespecific ones of the embodiments and modified embodiments, but may alsobe used in the other exemplary embodiments and modified embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a combined face shield and maskassembly 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. As will be described in further detail, the primarycomponents of the combined face shield and mask assembly 10, in thisfirst embodiment, include a frame member 20, a shield member 30, aspacer 40 (FIG. 3) and a neck guard 50, which is attached to the shieldmember. The neck guard 50 is configured to filter incoming and outgoingair therethrough, in a manner similr to a surgical mask. Each of theseprimary components will be described in further detail herein.

Frame Member

As shown in the drawings, the frame member 20 bears some resemblance toa set of frames used for optical glasses, except without any lowersection which would, if present, be situated for placement near theupper cheekbones of a user. The frame member 20 is formed from aflexibly resilient plastic, which may be transparent or opaque.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, the frame member 20 includes abrow-contacting central section 22 having a nose bridge 24 extendingdownwardly thereon, and a pair of temple-contacting arms 26, 28 attachedto opposite sides of the central section. The temple-contacting arms 26,28 may be hingedly attached to the central section 22 or, alternatively,may be integrally formed with the central section.

Shield Member

The combined face shield and mask assembly 10 according to the firstembodiment also includes a shield member 30 attached to the frame member20. The method of attaching the shield member 30 to the frame member 20is illustrated in FIGS. 7-8 and is described below. The shield member 30is formed of a flexible, transparent plastic material. The shield memberis partially concave in the assembled configuration thereof, such thatit will cover much of a user's face including mouth, nose and eyes.

The shield member 30 is shown separately, before assembly, in FIG. 5. Asshown in FIG. 5, the shield member 30 is formed generally in a half-moonshape, and may, optionally, have indicia 33 thereon, such as a logoincluding one or more trademarks and/ or a brand name, sports teamname/logo, advertising, various messages or other custom ornamentation.

As best shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, the shield member 30, as shaped bythe spacer 40, may correspond to and define the overall shape of thecombined face shield and mask assembly 10 which covers much of a user'sface.

As best seen in FIG. 7, during installation of the frame member 20 intothe shield member 30, rearward end portions of each of thetemple-contacting arms 26, 28, respectively, are slid outwardly throughfirst oval openings 32 and then back inwardly through second ovalopenings 34 provided at the side edges of the shield member 30, toconnect the frame member 20 and the shield member 30 together, and tomaintain the shield member in a curved orientation.

FIGS. 7-8 depict a modification to the combined face shield and maskassembly 10, in which the face shield 30 and frame member 20 areconfigured to be selectively connected together and separated from eachother, in which FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective detail views showing theface shield 30 and frame member 20 being assembled together. Asdepicted, in the modification, the forward-facing outer surfaces of thetemple-contacting arms 26, 28 have flexibly resilient projections 70provided thereon, and the face shield 30 may have oval openings 34provided along an upper portion thereof which are configured to besecurely attached to and detached from the projections 70. Eachprojection 70 extends outwardly through the corresponding oval opening34, and includes a small plug 72 (FIG. 8) which fits into a small roundopening 36 formed in the shield member 30 for that purpose. The smallround opening 36 may have a diameter slightly smaller than the outerdiameter of the plug 72, so that the plug remains engaged therein byfriction fit. The projections 70 may be formed of a silicone rubber orsimilar flexible material.

The modification in FIGS. 7-8 is desirable for a couple of reasons. Onereason is that the face mask and shield may be disassembled for easier,more compact storage and transportation. Another reason is that thedisassembled components may be washed/cleaned more easily and thoroughlywhen disassembled.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 6 and 9-11, it will be seen that the shieldmember 30 is at least partially curved or concave in the assembledconfiguration of the assembly 10, and shaped such that when the combinedface shield and mask assembly 10 is worn by a user, the shield member 30may extend along the user's forehead, downward along both sides of theuser's face slightly forward of the user's ears, and in front of theuser's throat. Also, a portion of the face shield 30 which covers theuser's chin may be disposed at a lowest level when the face shieldassembly 10 is worn by a user, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9-11, the faceshield may extend downward to an area below the user's chin.

The shield member 30 may be formed of any appropriate flexible,non-porous, lightweight material such as plastics and plastic sheetmaterial, and is at least partially transparent such that a user may seethrough the face shield with little or no obstruction, and such that theuser's face may be clearly visible to others through the face shield.

In the depicted embodiment, essentially the entire shield member 30 istransparent, other than at the periphery thereof. For example, theshield member 30 may be made from clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheetmaterial which is 1-12 mils thick, although any other clear, flexibleplastic sheet material may be used with any desired or appropriatethickness.

Also, because the shield and mask assembly 10 will substantially coverthe user's entire face such that moist exhaled breath from the user willbe contained between the non-porous shield member 30 and the user'sface, the surface of the shield member which faces toward the user mayhave a coating or treatment of fog-suppressing material applied theretoso as to prevent or minimize fogging of the shield member 30 by theuser's exhaled breath. Such a coating or treatment of a fog-suppressingmaterial is not shown in the drawing as this would be very thin andtransparent, but there are many commercially available agents andcoatings which provide such anti-fogging effect and any of these may beused which are compatible with the plastic material of the face shield.

Alternatively, the chemical compounds used to make the plastic shieldmaterial may contain additives which provide anti-fogging qualities tothe plastic making up the shield member. Further, additional amounts ofanti-fogging treatments may be provided with the face shield and mask,e.g., in a spray bottle or moistened towelette, which the user mayselectively apply to the inside surface of the shield member 30 whendesired.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 3, but not necessarily, a peripheral outeredge portion of the flexible plastic sheeting constituting the shieldmember 30 may have a, flexible strap 35 provided therewith for adjustingor cinching the peripheral edges of two opposite sides of the shieldmember into sealing engagement with a wearer's head.

Spacer

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the face shield and mask assembly 10 alsoincludes a flexible spacer 40 disposed between the frame member 20 andthe shield member 30. The spacer 40 is attached to the front surface ofthe frame member 20 at an upper edge of the central section 22, as shownin FIG. 3. The spacer 40 is formed of a flexible foam material, and isconfigured to keep the shield member from directly engaging the user'sface, except at the periphery of the shield member. The spacer 40 has aconvexly curved front surface 42, as shown, and this surface contactsthe inner surface of the shield member 30 when the face shield assemblyis assembled and worn.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the spacer 40 projectsinwardly from the shield member 30 by a sufficient distance, or in otherwords the spacer has a sufficient width, to ensure that during use,except for the peripheral side edges thereof, the shield member 30 willbe spaced outwardly away from the user's face when the face shieldassembly 10 is worn by the user, so that most of the shield member 30will not contact the user's face, nose or any eyeglasses when the faceshield assembly 10 is being worn by the user. This is important forminimizing any discomfort and distraction caused by the face shieldassembly 10 to the user.

Also, the spacer 40 may have a varying thickness, and possibly a varyingheight as well, as it extends along and around the user's forehead so asto assure proper spacing from the user's face. For example, at a lateralcenter of the spacer 40, the thickness of the spacer may be 0.5-2.0inches thick and 0.5-2.0 inches high, and then taper so as to be smallerin thickness and/or height as the padding extends to the lateral edgesof the face shield assembly 10, so that the peripheral sides of theshield member 30 may engage the user's face, e.g., the thickness at thelateral edges of the padding may be 0.1-0.25 inches.

The spacer 40 may be made of any appropriate lightweight, non-toxicmaterial. For example, foam plastic materials, foam rubber or elastomer,cloth fabrics and combinations of these may be used.

The spacer 40 may be attached to an upper portion or edge of the framemember 20 and/or an upper portion of the shield member 30 by anyappropriate means. For example, the spacer 40 may adhesively bonded tothe upper portion or upper edge of the flexible face shield 30 or framemember 20 with any appropriate adhesive, or may be melt bonded withheat. The spacer 40 provides additional strength and mass to the upperportion of the face shield assembly 10, noting that other componentssuch as the shield member 30 may be made of flexible, lightweightmaterials such as flexible plastic sheeting as discussed above.

Optionally, if desired, the spacer 40 may be provided with a vent 45,separate from the neck guard, and through which exhaled breath of theuser may also be discharged from the face shield assembly 20, the ventincluding a one-way check valve which allows air to leave outwardly, butwhich prevents outside air from passing inwardly through the vent duringuse.

Neck Guard

The combined face shield and mask assembly 10 also includes a neck guard50 attached to an outer edge portion of the shield member 30, as shown,extending from the sides of the shield member near the frame member 20down to the lowermost central portion of the shield member. The neckguard 50 functions as a breathing mask, in a manner similar to asurgical mask, in order to filter pathogens and contaminants out of airpassing therethrough.

The neck guard 50 is formed of a flexible, porous fabric materialconfigured to permit passage of air therethrough, and has an elasticband 52 sewn into, or otherwise attached to a free edge portion 54thereof. During use, the elastic band 52 allows the free edge portion 54of the neck guard 50 to tightly contact, or “hug” against the neck of auser, as seen in FIG. 10, creating a substantially air tight seal in amanner somewhat similar to how a shower cap fits on a user's head.

As an alternative to the elastic band 52, and as shown in FIG. 17, amanually adjustable strap 208 may be substituted if desired. Where used,the strap 208 may be provided with, and attached to the peripheral sideand lower portions of the flexible face shield 20, e.g., it may haveends which are also attached to or near the lateral ends of the neckguard 50, extend along sides of the user's face slightly forward of theuser's ears and down to the user's neck or throat rearward of the user'schin when the face shield and mask assembly 10 is being worn by theuser.

Where used, the strap 208 may be movably attached to the neck guard 50near the lower edge thereof, such that the strap 208 can be movedrelative to the periphery of the shield member 20, for selectivelydrawing or cinching the neck guard 50 in close engagement with theuser's neck, and for loosening the neck guard when desired.

Optionally, the strap 208 may also include a locking mechanism 214 sothat the strap 208 may be readily manipulated by the user such that theperiphery of the neck guard snugly engages the user's neck. These typesof spring-loaded locking mechanisms are well known and understood in theart.

For movably attaching the strap 208 to the neck guard 50, a peripheraledge of the neck guard may be folded over and sewn on to, or otherwisebonded to an adjacent portion of the neck guard so as to form agenerally tubular channel through which portions of the strap may bemovably extended. Also, grommets 216, made of a rigid material such asmetal or plastic, may be provided at openings defined in the foldedperipheral edge of the neck guard 50 where portions of the strap areextended into the tubular channel, such as shown in FIG. 17. Thegrommets 216, where used, are helpful to prevent the strap 208 fromripping or otherwise damaging the openings of the folded peripheral edgeof the neck guard 50.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the fabric panel 56 making up the neck guard 50be formed of various porous, breathable materials through which a user'sbreath may pass, and which may be constructed or treated to possess sometype of anti-bacterial function for killing any bacteria, virus or thelike contained in the breath. For example, the fabric panel 56 may beformed of porous paper similar to a normal surgical mask.

Alternatively, the fabric panel 56 may be formed of a natural fabricsuch as cotton or silk, or synthetic fabrics such as polychiffon,polyester, nylon, rayon, etc. which would not cause any abrasion orirritation to the user's skin, and the anti-bacterial function may beprovided by including appropriate anti-bacterial materials in thefabrics and/or by applying a coating of anti-bacterial materials to thefabric.

The fabric panel 56 making up the main body of the neck guard 50 mayinclude multiple materials, multiple layers of material and may havevarious thicknesses, either for the entire panel or parts thereof, e.g.,the lower portions of the panel 56 may include larger pores than otherportions of the panel to permit a user's breath to pass more easilythrough such lower portions than through the other portions.

The particular material(s), thicknesses, number of layers, etc. used informing a given fabric panel 56 used for the neck guard 50 willdetermine just how readily a user's breath may pass through the fabricpanel. This is an important consideration because the more readily theuser's breath may pass through fabric panel 56, the easier it is for theuser to breathe while wearing the combined face shield and mask assembly10, and the less likely that moisture will accumulate and cause foggingof the face shield 30.

On the other hand, if the fabric panel 56 has characteristics which makeit not so easy to breathe therethrough, e.g., pores with smaller size,such fabric panel may be more effective at preventing passage ofbacteria, viruses, etc. Hence, it may be desirable to balanceconsiderations of easier breathing and better protection that can bemade when preparing the fabric panel 56 of the neck guard 50 for a givenuser, depending on the intended use environment and/or on the user'sdesires. The positioning of the fabric panel 56 used in the neck guard50 is such that much of a user's breath being discharged therethroughwill be directed downward and laterally away from the user.

As will be understood, the fabric panel 56 used in the neck guard 50 isquite different from the plastic materials used to form the shieldmember 30, in that the fabric panel is porous and permits a user'sbreath to pass therethrough.

Due to the porous nature of the fabric pane 561, the combined face maskand shield 10 of this embodiment may not require any additional vents orfilters, but vents and/or filters may be provided if so desired, such asthe vent 45 shown in FIGS. 3-4. Further, it is possible to construct thefabric panel 56 to have a basic structure which is very porous andpermits a user's breath to easily pass therethrough, and to provideadditional layer(s) of fabric (not shown) together with the combinedface mask and shield assembly 10, which a user may selectively attach toor detach from the fabric panel 56 for adjusting just how readily auser's breath may pass therethrough. For example, a given user mayprefer to normally have a fabric panel 56 that is very porous andpermits breath to easily pass therethrough for most times when the userwears the combined face shield and mask assembly 10. However, in certainsituations, the user may want to add additional layer(s) of fabric tothe fabric panel 56 when the user desires greater protection againstairborne bacteria, viruses and the like, e.g., when the user is in aconfined space with many other people, such as on an airplane, in ahospital, or in a surgery. Such additional layer(s) of fabric may beshaped to fully cover the fabric panel 56 or various parts thereof, andmay include various means for being attached to the fabric panel such asan adhesive layer with a removable cover, hook-and-loop type fasteners,etc.

Optional Seal Member

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the face shield and mask assembly 10 mayinclude a flexible seal member 60 configured to be placed on top of theframe member 20 to restrict or prevent air passage therepast, and toseal the top of the assembly 10. Where used, the seal member 60 may ormay not be configured to contact a user's forehead during use, dependingon the wishes of the wearer. The assembly 10 may be sold with the sealmember 60 packaged separately, and available for installation by theuser if desired.

The seal member 60 may be curved or shaped to engage and extend alongmost or all of the user's forehead when the combined face shield andmask assembly 10 is worn by the user, and the seal member 60 projectsinwardly from the upper edge of the frame member 20 toward the user'sface, so that the inner edge portion of the seal member will engage theuser's forehead when the face shield assembly 10 is worn by the user.The seal member 60 may be a single piece of flexible foam material whichis very thin at side portions thereof, and which is thicker in a centralportion thereof.

Where used, the seal member 60 is provided to enhance the ability of theface shield assembly 10 to prevent inhaled and exhaled breath frompassing between the peripheral edge of the face shield and the user'sface, thereby forcing the breath to pass through the filter provided bythe neck guard 50. For example, the seal member 60 may include one ormore thin strip(s) of a non-toxic, non-abrasive, plastic foam which maybe bonded to the peripheral edge surface at the top of the frame member20 using adhesive or heat, and/or may include a bead 19 of flexible,non-toxic plastic such as silicone.

Alternatively or additionally, thin strip(s) of a peel-and-stick typesealing material (not shown) may be provided with the face shieldassembly 10, which a person may use to customize the face shieldassembly 10 to more comfortably, closely and snugly fit against theperson's face and/or forehead. For example, the thin strip(s) mayinclude a plastic or plastic foam material which is 1/16 to ¼ inchthick, ¼ to ½ inch wide and any desired length, with adhesive providedon one surface of the strip(s) and a removable “peel-off” covering overthe adhesive. The user may cut the thin strip(s) to a desired lengthand/or width, remove the covering from the adhesive, and engage theadhesive surface to a desired portion of the periphery of the shieldmember 30 or the spacer 40. Such peel-and-stick type sealing materialwould be useful for closing any gaps between the periphery of the shieldmember 30 and the person's face, or for achieving a more comfortable,snug fit of the face shield assembly 10.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 show the combined face shield and mask assembly 10according to the first embodiment being worn by a user, and FIG. 11illustrates that the combined face shield and mask assembly may be wornin conjunction with and along with traditional glasses, which may beprescription glasses or sunglasses.

Second Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 12A-12B and 13-15, an adjustable face shield and maskassembly 200 according to an second exemplary illustrative embodiment ofthe present invention. The adjustable face shield and mask assembly 200generally comprises a flexible face shield 230 which is at leastpartially transparent and partially concave such that it will cover muchof a user's face including mouth, nose and eyes, a neck guard 250 whichis attached to a lower edge and side portions of the face shield andthrough which a person wearing the adjustable face mask and shield caninhale and exhale breath, and straps 208, 210 which are secured to aperiphery of the flexible face shield, which may be made of elasticmaterial and which may be adjustable for fitting the periphery of theflexible face shield in engagement with at least one of the user's faceand head.

The combined face shield and mask assembly 200 according to the secondembodiment omits the frame member 210 of the first embodiment, andinstead, uses an upper strap 208 to removably and adjustably attach thetop portion of the assembly to a user's head, as shown in FIG. 13. Theupper strap 208 provides attachment structure for the mask assembly 200in this embodiment.

The mask assembly 200 according to the second embodiment also includes apadded spacer 212 which is attached to an upper portion of the flexibleface shield, projects inwardly away from an inner surface of theflexible face shield and is configured to face toward the user's faceand keep the flexible face shield from engaging the user's face exceptat the peripheral side and lower portions of the flexible face shield.

As best shown in FIGS. 13-15, the flexible face shield 230 maycorrespond to and define the overall shape of the adjustable face shieldand mask assembly 200 which covers much of a user's face. The faceshield 230 is at least partially curved or concave, and shaped such thatwhen the adjustable face shield and mask assembly 200 is worn by a user,the flexible face shield 230 may extend along the user's forehead,downward along both sides of the user's face slightly forward of theuser's ears, and adjacent part of the user's throat rearward of theuser's chin. Also, a portion of the face shield 230 which covers theuser's chin may be disposed at a lowest level when the face shield andmask assembly 200 is worn by a user, e.g., as shown in FIG. 13, the faceshield 230 may extend downward to an area at or below the user's chin,and then extend rearwardly and upwardly. The lower edge of the neckguard 250 engages the user's neck or throat, as shown in FIG. 13.

The flexible face shield 230 may be formed of any appropriate flexible,non-porous, lightweight materials such as plastics and plastic sheetmaterial, and is at least partially transparent such that a user may seethrough the face shield with little or no obstruction, and such that theuser's face may be clearly visible to others through the face shield. Inthe depicted embodiment essentially the entire face shield istransparent other than at the periphery of the face shield where thestraps 208, 210 are attached. For example, the face shield 230 may bemade from clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet material which is 1-12mils thick, although any other clear, flexible plastic sheet materialmay be used with any desired thickness.

Also, because the adjustable face shield and mask assembly 200 willsubstantially cover the user's entire face, such that moist exhaledbreath from the user will be contained between the non-porous faceshield 230 and the user's face, the surface of the face shield whichfaces toward the user may have a coating or treatment of fog-suppressingmaterial applied thereto so as to prevent or minimize fogging of theface shield 230 by the user's exhaled breath. Such a coating ortreatment of a fog-suppressing material is not shown in the drawing asthis would be very thin and transparent, but there are many commerciallyavailable agents and coatings which provide such anti-fogging effect andany of these may be used which are compatible with the plastic materialof the face shield.

Alternatively, the chemical compounds used to make the plastic shieldmaterial may contain additives which provide anti-fogging qualities tothe plastic making up the shield member. Further, additional amounts ofanti-fogging treatments may be provided with the face shield and mask,e.g., in a spray bottle or moistened towelette, which the user mayselectively apply to the face shield when desired.

The spacer 212 may be curved or shaped to engage and extend along mostor all of the user's forehead when the combined face shield and maskassembly 200 is worn by the user, and projects away from the flexibleface shield 230 toward the user's face, so that the spacer 212 willengage the user's forehead when the face shield and mask assembly 200 isworn by the user.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the spacer 212 projectsaway from the face shield 230 by a sufficient distance, or in otherwords the spacer 212 has a sufficient thickness, to assure that the faceshield will be spaced away from the user's face, except at the peripheryof the face shield when the face shield and mask assembly 200 is worn bythe user, and so that most of the face shield 230 will not contact theuser's face or any eyeglasses or the like worn by a user when the shieldand mask assembly 200 is being worn by the user. This is important forminimizing any discomfort and distraction caused by the face shield andmask assembly 200 to the user. Also, as best shown in FIGS. 15, 16A and16B, the spacer 212 may have a varying thickness, and possibly a varyingheight as well, as it extends along and around the user's forehead so asto assure proper spacing from the user's face. For example, at a lateralcenter of the spacer 212, the thickness of the spacer 212 may be 0.5-2.0inches thick and 0.5-2.0 inches high, and then taper so as to be smallerin thickness and/or height as the spacer extends to the lateral edges ofthe face shield and mask assembly 200 so that the peripheral sides andlower portions of the face shield 230 may engage the user's face, e.g.,the thickness at the lateral edges of the spacer may be 0.1-0.25 inches.

The spacer 212 may be made of any appropriate lightweight, non-toxicmaterial that would not cause any abrasion or particular discomfort tothe user's forehead when the face shield and mask assembly 200 is wornby a user, even for extended periods of time. For example, foam plasticmaterials, cloth fabrics and combinations of these may be used. Clothfabrics would also desirably absorb sweat from the user's forehead. Thespacer 212 may be attached to an upper portion or edge of the flexibleface shield 230 by any appropriate means. For example, the spacer 212may adhesively bonded to the upper portion or upper edge of the flexibleface shield with any appropriate adhesive or melt bonded with heat. Thespacer 212 provides additional strength and mass to the upper portion ofthe face shield and mask assembly 200, noting that other components suchas the face shield 230 and straps 208, 210 may be made of flexible,lightweight materials, e.g., the face shield may be made of flexibleplastic sheeting as discussed above, while the straps 208, 210 may bemade of elastic, stretchable material.

An adjustable upper strap 208 may be provided at the upper portion ofthe face shield and mask assembly 200, e.g., by having ends of the strapattached to or near lateral ends of the spacer 212, and is configured toextend substantially horizontally around to the back of the user's headjust above the user's ears. The upper strap 208 may include a lockingmechanism 214 which may be easily manipulated by a user for adjustingthe length of the strap. Between the elastic nature of the upper strap208 and the adjustability of the strap length through the lockingmechanism 214, the upper strap 208 may be readily manipulated by theuser such that the strap snugly engages the user's head and maintainsthe spacer 212 in engagement with the user's forehead, without being sotight that it becomes uncomfortable to the user.

For example, the locking mechanism 214 may be a so-called cord lockwhich has an opening defined therein through which the upper strap 208may be extended, and a spring-biased locking member which normally willclamp against the portions of the strap extending therethrough so as tolock the mechanism to such portions of the strap. A user may depress thespring-biased locking member to unclamp it from the strap portion,adjust the length of the strap by moving the strap and/or lockingmechanism relative to the other, and then stop depressing the lockingmember to again clamp the mechanism to different portions of the strap.

The lower strap 210 may be provided with, and attached to the peripheralside and lower portions of the neck guard 250, e.g., it may have endswhich are also attached to or near the lateral ends of the spacer 212,extend along sides of the neck guard at an area slightly forward of theuser's ears and down to the user's neck or throat rearward of the user'schin when the face shield and mask assembly 200 is being worn by theuser. The lower strap 210 may be movably attached to the periphery ofthe neck guard 250 such that the strap 210 can be moved relative to theouter peripheral edge of the neck guard for selectively drawing orcinching the periphery in close engagement with the user's face and forloosening the periphery when desired. The lower strap 210 may alsoinclude a locking mechanism 214 so that the strap 210 may be readilymanipulated by the user such that the periphery of the neck guard 250snugly engages the user's face.

For movably attaching the lower strap 10 to the neck guard 250, aperipheral edge of the neck guard may be folded over and bonded to anadjacent portion of the neck guard periphery with adhesive or sewing soas to form a generally tubular channel through which portions of thestrap may be movably extended. Also, grommets 216, made of a rigidmaterial such as metal or plastic, may be provided at openings definedin the folded peripheral edge of the neck guard 250 where portions ofthe strap are extended into the tubular channel, such as shown in FIG.17. The grommets 216, where used, are helpful to prevent the lower strap210 from ripping or otherwise damaging the openings of the foldedperipheral edge of the neck guard.

For enhancing the ability of the face shield and mask assembly 200 toprevent inhaled and exhaled breath from passing between the peripheraledge of the face shield and the user's face, and thus forcing the breathto pass through the neck guard 250, a seal may be provided with thesurface of the face shield periphery that will engage the user's face,similar to the seal described herein in connection with the firstembodiment.

Third Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 18A-18B, there is shown an adjustable face shield andmask assembly 400 according to a third illustrative exemplary embodimentaccording to the present invention. The face shield and mask assembly400 has features which are similar to features of the second embodiment,unless specifically described as different herein.

The face shield and mask assembly 400 generally includes a transparentface shield 402, a neck guard 450 formed from a fabric panel 56 whichhas one peripheral edge thereof connected to peripheral side and lowerportions of the transparent face shield 402 by adhesive bonding or otherappropriate means.

The face shield and mask assembly 400 of this embodiment also includes aforehead-engaging bumper 412, and adjustable bands or straps 70, 71respectively associated with the neck guard 450 and theforehead-engaging bumper 412.

Other Optional Features

The combined face shield and mask assembly 10 or 400 may be providedwith a QR barcode or other barcode (not shown) for quality control andinventory tracking.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 18A-18B, the combined face shield andmask assembly 10 or 400 may further include an internal voice-activatedmicrophone and one or more speakers to encourage clear communicationsbetween the wearer and other people. A first speaker 82 may be attachedto the outside of the shield member 20 for outgoing communications, anda second speaker (not shown) may be provided on one of thetemple-contacting arms 26, 28 of the frame member 20, or in othersuitable location configured to be disposed near a user's ear when theassembly 10 is worn, for incoming communications. Optionally, ifdesired, a second microphone (not shown) may be provided on the exteriorof the assembly 10 such as, for example, on the shield member 20 to pickup external audio for the wearer to receive. Other suitable accessoriessuch as a battery, microprocessor and memory module may be provided asneeded to make the microphone(s) and speakers functional.

Further optional features which may be provided as part of the faceshield and mask assembly 10, 200 or 400 include a small electric coolingfan (not shown) and/or a camera 85, which may be used for taking stillpictures, video recording or both. The face shield and mask assembly 10,200 or 400 may also be equipped with Bluetooth wireless communicationcapability to be a hands free voice activated extension of a user'ssmart phone, tablet, or computer.

Kit of Components

According to another aspect of the present invention provides a kit ofcomponents which may be assembled by the user as needed to form the faceshield and mask assembly 10. The components may include the frame member20, and will necessarily include the shield member 30 with the neckguard 50 attached thereto, and the spacer 40, all as previouslydescribed herein. Optionally, the kit may include the spacer 40 attachedto the front upper surface of the frame member 20.

Use of the Face Shield and Mask Assembly

The face shield assembly 10 according to the exemplary embodiment shownin FIGS. 1-7 is convenient to wear and use, and provides severaladvantages over conventional face masks and conventional face shields.For use, a user may place the face shield assembly 10 on the user's headby sliding the shield and mask assembly on rearwardly, while placing thetemple-contacting arms 26, 28 of the frame member 20 past the user'stemples and above the ears.

When the shield assembly 10 is thus placed on the user's face and headmost of the shield member 30 excluding its peripheral side edges arespaced away from the person's face, including the mouth, nose, eyes,eyeglasses and the like (if any), so as to avoid any discomfort orinconvenience that would otherwise be caused if these components engagedagainst the person's face. Also, if the person is wearing eyeglasses ormakeup, these would not be engaged or smeared by the spaced portions ofthe shield member 30.

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a user wearing the combined face shieldand mask assembly along with their own traditional glasses, which may beprescription or non-prescription including sunglasses.

Further, because the shield member 30 is transparent, it is possible forothers to see and recognize the person's face through the face shield,and the anti-fogging treatment or coating applied to the inner surfaceof the shield member 30 prevents or resists it from being fogged up bythe user's exhaled breath. Still further, because the neck guard 50 isspaced forwardly away from the user's mouth and nose, it will notinterfere with the person's breathing to any significant extent.

Also, because the seal member 60 may be provided along the top peripheryof the face shield assembly, this can help to prevent or minimizepassage of the person's breath around the periphery of the shield member30.

Additionally, the face shield assembly 10 is generally lightweight, andcompact so that it can be stored and transported easily, unlikeconventional face shields. Further, the face shield assembly 10 may beeasily cleaned or disinfected with soap and water, typical cleaning anddisinfecting agents or sprays, etc. so that the face shield assembly 10may be reused, lowering the effective cost of same.

The foregoing description involving present exemplary embodiments of theface shield and mask according to the exemplary embodiments of the faceshield and mask according to the exemplary embodiments discussed aboveis given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessarylimitations should be understood therefrom. Modifications within thescope of the claimed invention will be apparent to those having ordinaryskill in the art and are encompassed within the scope of the invention.

For example, while two elastic and adjustable straps or bands aredescribed as used with some of the exemplary embodiments of theinvention, it is possible to use one strap or more than two straps, andthe straps need not be both elastic and adjustable, but may be one orthe other. As another example, the face shield portions in the aboveexemplary embodiments of a face shield and mask according to the presentinvention are transparent/clear for assuring good visibility by theperson wearing same as well as for assuring that the face of the personwearing the face shield and mask is clearly visible to other personsthrough the face shield portion. It is also possible within the scope ofthe present invention to have face shield portions which are notstrictly transparent/clear, but which are translucent with variouscolors material. This would give the face shield and masks a fashionableelement as a matching accessory to the rest of the attire of the personwearing the mask. Any such color of translucent hue would not be so deepor dark as to interfere with visibility through the face shieldportions.

Further, it is possible to provide an optional electric fan (not shown)which may be operated to continuously draw air into the face mask andshield according to any of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, so that a person wearing the face mask and shield will nothave to strain to breathe in air through the filter. This would behelpful for people that have difficulty breathing with a face mask on,people who are exercising, etc. Such a fan may be relatively small,e.g., the diameter of a US quarter the same thickness or somewhat largeras a quarter, self-contained with no exposed wiring, a power source suchas a coin battery, an on-off switch and an adhesive surface that may beattached to a lower portion of the face mask and shield near the filteror at any other portion of the face mask and shield. Alternatively, thepower source and on/off switch for the fan may be disposed with thepadding or bumper of the face mask and shield and connected to the fanwith wiring extending inconspicuously along the periphery of the faceshield.

Although the present invention has been described herein with respect toa number of specific illustrative embodiments, the foregoing descriptionis intended to illustrate, rather than to limit the invention. Thoseskilled in the art will realize that many modifications of theillustrative embodiment could be made which would be operable. All suchmodifications, which are within the scope of the claims, are intended tobe within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

I claim:
 1. A protective face shield assembly, comprising: a shieldmember which is configured to cover a user's face including mouth, noseand eyes, the shield member attached to the frame member and formed of atransparent plastic material; attachment structure for removablyattaching the shield member to a user's face; a spacer disposed insidean upper portion of the shield member, the spacer formed of a flexiblefoam material and having a convexly curved front surface; and a neckguard attached to an outer edge portion of the shield member, the neckguard formed of a flexible fabric material configured to permit passageof air therethrough and having an elastic band attached to a free edgeportion thereof.
 2. The face shield assembly according to claim 1,wherein the shield member is formed in a shape resembling a half moonhaving a flattened edge portion which is disposed at a top portion ofthe assembly
 3. The face shield assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe shield member is at least partially curved, and wherein the assemblyis configured to enclose an area of the user's face extending from theuser's forehead along sides of the face and down to a portion of theuser's neck below the user's chin.
 4. The face shield assembly accordingto claim 3, wherein the neck guard is attached to the edge of the shieldat peripheral side and lower portions thereof.
 5. The face shieldassembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly is configured to fitover and accommodate eyeglasses worn by a user.
 6. The face shieldassembly according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible seal memberconfigured to be placed on top of the frame member to seal the top ofthe assembly and to restrict or prevent air passage therepast.
 7. Theface shield assembly according to claim 1, further comprising amicrophone and a speaker.
 8. The face shield assembly according to claim2, wherein the shield member has indicia thereon.
 9. The face shieldassembly according to claim 1, further comprising a vent separate fromthe neck guard and through which exhaled breath of the user may also bedischarged from the face shield assembly, the vent including a checkvalve which prevents air from passing inwardly through the vent duringuse.
 10. A protective face shield assembly, comprising: a frame memberincluding a brow-contacting central section having a nose bridge, and apair of temple-contacting arms attached to opposite side portions of thecentral section; a shield member which is configured to cover a user'sface including mouth, nose and eyes, the shield member attached to theframe member and formed of a transparent plastic material; a spacerdisposed between the frame member and the shield member, the spacerformed of a flexible foam material and having a convexly curved frontsurface; and a neck guard attached to an outer edge portion of theshield member at peripheral side and lower portions thereof, the neckguard formed of a flexible fabric material configured to permit passageof air therethrough and having an elastic band attached to a free edgeportion thereof, wherein the assembly is configured to fit over andaccommodate eyeglasses worn by a user.
 11. The face shield assemblyaccording to claim 10, wherein the shield member is formed in a shaperesembling a half moon having a flattened edge portion which is disposedat a top portion of the assembly
 12. The face shield assembly accordingto claim 10, wherein the shield member is at least partially curved, andwherein the assembly is configured to enclose an area of the user's faceextending from the user's forehead along sides of the face and down to aportion of the user's neck below the user's chin.
 13. The face shieldassembly according to claim 10, further comprising a flexible sealmember configured to be placed on top of the frame member to seal thetop of the assembly and to restrict or prevent air passage therepast.14. The face shield assembly according to claim 10, wherein the shieldmember has a pair of holes formed therein which receive rear portions ofthe temple-contacting arms therethrough.
 15. The face shield assemblyaccording to claim 10, further comprising a vent separate from the neckguard and through which exhaled breath of the user may also bedischarged from the face shield assembly, the vent including a checkvalve which prevents air from passing inwardly through the vent duringuse.
 16. A kit of components which may be used to construct a protectiveface shield assembly, said kit comprising: a frame member including abrow-contacting central section having a nose bridge, and a pair oftemple-contacting arms attached to opposite side portions of the centralsection; a shield member for covering a user's face including mouth,nose and eyes in the finished assembly, the shield member formed of atransparent plastic material and configured to be attached to the framemember; a spacer for placement between the frame member and the shieldmember, the spacer formed of a flexible foam material and having aconvexly curved front surface; and a neck guard attached to an outeredge portion of the shield member, the neck guard formed of a flexiblefabric material configured to permit passage of air therethrough andhaving an elastic band attached to a free edge portion thereof.
 17. Thekit of claim 16, wherein the spacer has a vent therein including a checkvalve which only permits air to flow therethrough in a single direction.